In Memory

Barbara Chezem (Vandivier (Bellmore)) - Class Of 1945

Barbara Chezem (Vandivier (Bellmore))

Barbara Jean Vandivier, 93, passed away peacefully in her home Wednesday, April 22, 2020. Born June 8, 1926, in Terre Haute, Indiana, she was the daughter of Ralph and Mary (Wallace) Chezem. She married Charles E. Bettis, April 8, 1946, and were happily married until his death in 1985. She then married her second husband, Francis Vandivier, August 22, 1986, to whom she was happily married until his death in 2004. She was a devoted and faithful wife to both. Barbara’s family moved to Bellmore when she was very young. She was a graduate of Bellmore High School in 1945 and moved to Rockville shortly after getting married in 1946. Barbara held many jobs throughout her life. Two of her employers were Mallory’s, where she made coils, and G.C. Murphy Store. She loved working at Murphy’s and often spoke about her time and the friends she made. She spent most of her time baking pies for family and friends, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, gardening, and baking cookies for the Rockville High School football team. Everyone in town loved Mimi’s Monster Cookies. Barbara enjoyed family gatherings, daily trips to the IGA, and feeding and watching hummingbirds. Barbara is survived by her son, William R. (Tammy) Bettis; sisters, Marie Curts, Shirley Moss, and Sue Schaibley; daughter-in-law, Kathy Bettis; seven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and two special friends, Jan Bettis and Nickie Roosevelt. She was also preceded in death by her parents; son, Jack David Bettis; brothers, George, Ralph, Byron Franklin, Jack and Richard; and her sisters, Mildred, Jeanette and Mary. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to www.roxalumni.com under campaign for kids, Rockville Food Pantry, Parke Heritage Football team, or an organization of donor’s choice. Assisting the family with arrangements is Butler Funeral



 
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04/22/20 02:20 PM #1    

Max Higgs (1968)

Mimi was my biggest fan, she got me out of trouble more times than I can count and she never missed a single ball game from t-ball until I was done playing in this picture. I could never do any wrong in her eyes! She loved her garden, Rox football, making cookies, and more than anything her family! She would show you unconditional love but she wasn’t afraid to give you “the finger” if you needed it. 😁We had so many fun times and lots of secrets! The last thing she said to me Saturday was “I love you more!”. We had a great last visit. Love you Mimi!

Billy Bettis FB Post 4/22/2020


04/22/20 05:02 PM #2    

Jeanne Chezem (McCall) (1968)

My Aunt Barbara! What can I say? From the first time I met her she was always kind to me. She never had a harsh word. I always thought she was beautiful and the younger picture of her is what I remember her looking like. She was so proud of anyone who did well at anything. She must have sent me more than a dozen articles from the Sentinel when my granddaughters made the paper. Other people have sent me things too but she was the first and that she took the time to cut them out and send them to me with a little note was just the kind of special person she happened to be. I tried to go see her whenever I was in Rockville but last year I didn't make it. I'll forever regret that decision. Rest in Peace Aunt Barbara, heaven has a new angel.

 


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